as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
some sociologists specialize in studying the lawbreaking elements of society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code
even something as simple as littering is considered an example of lawbreaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in criminality
activities that are in violation of the laws of the state
an outbreak of lawbreaking plagued the city in the months following the end of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lawbreaking
Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
But Bondi demanding compliance before any lawbreaking by protesters is the same thing for which her own FBI is investigating six members of Congress who called on our military not to obey unlawful orders.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Rather than portraying Cracolândia’s inhabitants as violent, lawbreaking addicts, Som da Maloka captures their artistry as singers, musicians, and poets, with Escobar putting their talents on full display through local carnival parades organized by his Blocolândia initiative.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Chaffin said that even in June, while protests in Los Angeles had drawn thousands of people and were violent, those in Portland were smaller and any lawbreaking was managed by local police.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
While the governor’s benevolent instincts are laudable, leniency here would only invite more lawbreaking, and ultimately, more suffering — in Colorado and beyond.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
But Bondi demanding compliance before any lawbreaking by protesters is the same thing for which her own FBI is investigating six members of Congress who called on our military not to obey unlawful orders.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Rather than portraying Cracolândia’s inhabitants as violent, lawbreaking addicts, Som da Maloka captures their artistry as singers, musicians, and poets, with Escobar putting their talents on full display through local carnival parades organized by his Blocolândia initiative.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Chaffin said that even in June, while protests in Los Angeles had drawn thousands of people and were violent, those in Portland were smaller and any lawbreaking was managed by local police.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawbreaking
Adjective
-
Now, new emails have revealed how some notable figures were well aware of Epstein’s sensitivity around his criminal past.—
Brendan Ruberry,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
-
McCarthy warned that being too quick to bring untested criminal cases against political adversaries risks damaging institutional legitimacy regardless of which party is in power.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Foro Penal Vice President Gonzalo Himiob added that amnesty does not imply admission of guilt or responsibility for any crime.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The report found that half of the journalists detained were never charged with a crime and were held under Israel’s administrative detention system, which allows for suspects deemed a security risk to be held for six months and can be renewed indefinitely.—
Imad Isseid,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Brain imaging studies of criminality going back to 2009 have suggested that damage to a swath of white matter called the right uncinate fasciculus is somehow involved when people commit violent acts.—
Christopher M. Filley,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The government, along with much of purple and red America, pound the message that ICE in Minnesota is all about state corruption and criminality.—
Ed Bok Lee,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Noun
-
However, the amnesty explicitly excludes those convicted or prosecuted for homicide, drug trafficking, corruption, grave human rights violations, crimes against humanity and war crimes.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
From a strategic standpoint, the danger lies less in any single violation than in their cumulative effect.—
Frederic Lemieux,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This rebellious attitude defines the world she’s built, and it’s reflected in the girl who wears it.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
-
That trombone of yours, with its rebellious and unique sound, forever changed the history of our Latin music.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Once chewed up by the machine of expectation and found guilty of the eternal athletic sin of having too much talent too soon, Liu has since learned how to spit back rather than be spit out.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
According to Time and Date, palm leaves symbolize victory and joy among many Christians in the United States, as Jesus died on the cross for the sins of others.—
Marina Johnson,
IndyStar,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Social issue and character driven, events are steered by Swiss gold trader Hannah who, with her company teetering towards collapse, turns to illicit trading.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Students subsequently signed a pledge promising to say no to illicit substances and study two hours per night, and engaged in a call-and-response chant with Jackson.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawbreaking. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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